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Overview

Gay Men Don't Get Fat by Simon Doonan

Simon Doonan knows that when it comes to style, the gays are the chosen people. A second anthropological truth comes to him midway through a turkey burger with no bun, at an otherwise hetero barbecue: Do the straight people have any idea how many calories are in the guacamole? In this hilarious discourse on and guide to the well-lived life, Doonan goes far beyond the secrets to eating like the French—he proves that gay men really are French women, from their delight in fashion, to their brilliant choices in accessories and décor, to their awe-inspiring ability to limit calorie intake. A Gucci-wearing Margaret Mead at heart, Doonan offers his own inimitable life experiences and uncanny insights into makes gay people driven to live every day feeling their best, and proves that they have just as much—and possibly better—wisdom, advice, and inspiration beyond the same old diet and exercise tips.

So put down that bag of Pirate’s Booty and pick up this fierce and fabulous book. From slimming jaunts through Capri in the evening to an intrepid “Bear” hunt (if you have to ask, you have to read this book and find out for yourself), Gay Men Don’t Get Fat is the ultimate approach to a glamorous lifestyle—plus, you are guaranteed to laugh away the pounds!

Product Details

About the Author

Simon Doonan is the author of several books, including Wacky Chicks, Confessions of a Window Dresser, and Beautiful People, which was adapted for television in the UK. Originally from England, he worked on Savile Row before becoming the creative director for Barneys New York, where he designed legendary window displays for more than twenty years. Formerly a columnist for The New York Observer, he is now a contributor to Slate.com, and has appeared on Gossip Girl, Iron Chef America, America's Next Top Model, and elsewhere. Doonan lives in New York with his husband, Jonathan Adler.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Praise for GAY MEN DON’T GET FAT by Simon Doonan: "Simon Doonan is one funny gay nugget." —Chelsea Handler

"If I were really short, gay, and way funnier than I am now, I would try to pass myself off as Simon Doonan." —Malcolm Gladwell

"Simon Doonan is the Auntie Mame every up-and-coming future legend should have, the gay best friend who always gives it to you straight." —RuPaul

"Simon writes like a lethal combo of Robert Benchley and Dorothy Parker. I laughed so hard while reading this book I nearly split my Spanx." —Joan Rivers

"The most un-tragic book about being gay ever written." —John Waters

"Dining with Mr. Doonan is like lunching with the 'Jersey Shore'-era grandnephew of Oscar Wilde....there are times when his thoughts on the sexual orientation of food can be unexpectedly eye-opening." —Jeff Gordinier, The New York Times"[D]eliciously mischievous wit...Doonan is the David Sedaris of the style universe." —Christopher Muther, The Boston Globe“Blisteringly funny.” —Kirkus Reviews“[Gay Men Don’t Get Fat] will certainly have you laughing until your sides hurt.” —Alyssa Vingan, Marie Claire“In addition to educating those not-in-the-know, Doonan regales readers with tongue-in-cheek commentary and witchy barbs that bespeak a more militant Joan Rivers.” —Publishers Weekly“The sense of humor … is matched by a very real motivation to empower women.”—Kerry Pieri, Harper's Bazaar

Editorial Reviews

The purpose of this book is to extract useful nuggets and nuances from my gay life and hurl them in your direction, often with tremendous force and gusto.” English-born Doonan (Wacky Chicks) does just that in this hilarious and sometimes smarmy account of the social mores of the gay community. Having spent more than two decades dressing windows at Barneys New York before taking up writing, Doonan has had plenty of experience with “the gay canon… a broad cultural smorgasbord which provides a quirky, thought-provoking linchpin or reference point for every creative moment.” He goes on to discuss his favorite films, books, fashionistas, and “momentous movements” (Art Nouveau, Rustic Modern, and Skank Molecular (?) among them). There are chapters on face lifts and liposuction (generally to be avoided), gay subcultures, and a glossary of “a secret gay lingua”—Palare. In addition to educating those not-in-the-know, Doonan regales readers with tongue-in-cheek commentary and witchy barbs that bespeak a more militant Joan Rivers. The title refers to Doonan’s theory that gay men are too meticulous about their appearance to get fat and he follows many tangents of that theory. The veracity of the title may be questionable, but while reading Doonan, men and women—straight or gay—definitely don’t get bored. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for GAY MEN DON’T GET FAT by Simon Doonan:

"Simon Doonan is one funny gay nugget."—Chelsea Handler

"If I were really short, gay, and way funnier than I am now, I would try to pass myself off as Simon Doonan."—Malcolm Gladwell

"Simon Doonan is the Auntie Mame every up-and-coming future legend should have, the gay best friend who always gives it to you straight."—RuPaul

"Simon writes like a lethal combo of Robert Benchley and Dorothy Parker. I laughed so hard while reading this book I nearly split my Spanx."—Joan Rivers

"The most un-tragic book about being gay ever written."—John Waters

"Dining with Mr. Doonan is like lunching with the 'Jersey Shore'-era grandnephew of Oscar Wilde....there are times when his thoughts on the sexual orientation of food can be unexpectedly eye-opening."—Jeff Gordinier, The New York Times

"[D]eliciously mischievous wit...Doonan is the David Sedaris of the style universe."—Christopher Muther, The Boston Globe

“Blisteringly funny.”—Kirkus Reviews

“[Gay Men Don’t Get Fat] will certainly have you laughing until your sides hurt.”—Alyssa Vingan, Marie Claire

“In addition to educating those not-in-the-know, Doonan regales readers with tongue-in-cheek commentary and witchy barbs that bespeak a more militant Joan Rivers.”—Publishers Weekly

“The sense of humor … is matched by a very real motivation to empower women.”

—Kerry Pieri, Harper's Bazaar

From the Publisher

Slate style columnist and former window dresser dishes on everything from the sartorial to the sensationalist. Doonan (Eccentric Glamour, 2008, etc.) may have dedicated his generous collection of humorous, autobiographical essays to "the straight women of the world," but they're definitely not his target audience. His commentary addresses the gay male community ("French women…with penises") and often scorns their heterosexual counterparts upon whom, he writes, the arts of fashion, appearance, fine dining, culture and etiquette are completely lost. Doonan touches briefly on a wooly childhood in London, raised by a family "more Munsters than Partridge." He was a compulsive youngster captivated by gossipy tabloids; in adulthood, he bungled several attempts at successful street hustling before finding a life in Hollywood. The "pixie-sized" author refers to himself as a "poofter" with a penchant for all things flowery. His "gay canon" of must-see media and a buzzword glossary complement a hilarious, fork-tongued chapter on gay and straight foods. Doonan offers precious perspectives on the unique companionship proffered by a "fag hag," random lesbian life, divas worthy of gay adulation and the "car-crash recklessness" of overly flamboyant personalities like fashion maven Bobby Trendy ("Suzie Wong meets Caligula"). The outspoken raconteur reveals little on the subject of personal vulnerability (barring an episode of homophobia on the street), but he admits feeling intimidated by the hefty, hirsute "bear" subculture. Exploring more sensitive terrain would have balanced out the tartness of his visceral observations, though many are blisteringly funny. Just when the onslaught of arms-akimbo posturing finally starts to wane, Doonan delivers his best advice yet: "Don't sit at home clutching your pearls in the dark." Nutty silliness best appreciated by its intended audience.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Superficial like all his other writing, not very interesting, much of the time NOT funny either. I wish I had gone with my first instincts and not bought the book.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Spend your money on something else

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Next result. Fuq me at next result.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Simon Doonan is my favorite essayist, so much so that I ended my NY Observer subscription when they changed their format and stopped publishing his columns. As always, his descriptions and commentary are so witty you will laugh out loud. For those of you who might be confused by the title, it's not a diet book. But if you care as much as gay men do about appearance and esthetics, you will not be fat.